Bocce tournament held in Greenfield

GREENFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) - The Italian sport of Bocce Saturday became part of the Massachusetts high school and Special Olympics sports program.

High school students and Special Olympians from across Massachusetts competed at this first ever program at Greenfield High School. Student council advisor Angela Mass told 22News she was determined to bring this Bocce tournament to Franklin County.

“I'm very happy with the turnout. We ended up with 10 schools about 128 athletes playing bocce, several other schools came just to watch,” Mass said.

High school students played on the same teams as Special Olympians for balance. The Sports director for Massachusetts Special Olympics said the match up had the desired effect.

“Provides an environment of inclusion acceptance so, you can see with everyone cheering for each other, goal achieved,” Andrew Macleay told 22News.

When contacted by 22News, Springfield Bocce enthusiast Rico Daniele said "It's a joy to learn about this latest acceptance for the sport of Bocce”.

Daniele has long advocated and has had some success at making Bocce part of the sports programs at Springfield area schools

He hopes Bocce's acceptance at this tournament will help him reach his goal.